Architecture and furnishings Holy Name Cathedral (Chicago)

1 architecture , furnishings

1.1 bronze cathedral doors
1.2 resurrection crucifix
1.3 ambo of evangelists
1.4 ambo of epistle writers
1.5 cathedral altar
1.6 cathedra of see of chicago
1.7 sanctuary panels of holy name
1.8 pipe organs
1.9 galeri of cardinals

architecture , furnishings

the nave of cathedral during wedding.

holy name cathedral built in gothic revival architectural style while @ same time integrating motifs symbolic of message of modern church. church building 233 feet (71 m) long, 126 feet (38 m) wide , can seat 1,110 people. ceiling 70 feet (21 m) high , has spire reaches 210 feet (64 m) sky. overall, cathedral features motifs meant instill ambience of physically dwelling in biblical tree of life.

bronze cathedral doors

the first feature greets worshipers massive bronze doors designed albert j. friscia weigh 1200 pounds each. doors introduce overall tree of life theme intricate details serve make doors overwhelming planks of wood. doors possess hydraulic system allows them opened push of finger. beyond doors vestibule encased in glass.

resurrection crucifix

once inside church, striking feature suspended resurrection crucifix sculpted artist ivo demetz. adorning walls of nave stations of cross artist goffredo verginelli depicting passion, crucifixion , resurrection of christ. stations cast in bronze , framed in red rocco alicante marble.

ambo of evangelists

various bronze sculptures featured in other parts of church. 1 of largest pieces ambo of evangelists eugenio de courten. ambo, in church liturgy, lectern readings of holy scripture proclaimed. bronze casting depicts authors of gospels symbols: matthew angel representing gospel of church; mark, lion , inspiration peter’s teachings or catechesis; luke, ox, recounting of christ’s infancy; john, eagle, writer of spiritual gospel, recounting story of word made flesh.

ambo of epistle writers

also de courten ambo of evangelists, bronze casting depicting authors of apostolic letters church communities: peter, keys kingdom of god; paul, died sword; james, representing faith sustained works; , jude, carrying whip representing correction. particular ambo used lectors , cantors during sunday masses , other special church feasts , memorials.

cathedral altar

six tons of monolithic red-black rosso imperiale di solberga granite forms mensa or table top of altar. pedestal encircled bronze bas-relief depicting old testament scenes of sacrificial offerings , preparation: abel s offering of first sacrifice, priest melchizedek giving bread , wine, abraham s willingness sacrifice son isaac, , prophet elijah receiving bread , water angel of lord strength continue on journey. consecrated altar contains relics, or actual artifacts bodies of saint john apostle , saint timothy.

cathedra of see of chicago

a cathedra, or bishop s throne, makes church cathedral. chair sedes chicagiensis, or see of chicago, presided on archbishop of chicago. unlike roman catholic cathedra, cathedra of see of chicago plain , simple. contains 3 panels depicting first christian teachers: christ in center panel, saint peter right, , saint paul left.

sanctuary panels of holy name

above cathedra sanctuary panels of holy name, 5 bronze panels attilio selva representing holy name of jesus church gets name. first panel of simeon contemplating infant savior whom mary presents in temple. second panel depicts mystery of trinity , angel carrying monogram of christ earth. third panel of risen christ proclaimed lord. fourth panel of presentation of jesus in temple showing mary , joseph presenting child circumcision , naming. last panel of priesthood of jesus, christ adorned in vestments presenting chalice people.

pipe organs

the cathedral contains 2 fine pipe organs: large 71-stop, 4-manual instrument in west end gallery constructed flentrop firm of zaandam, netherlands; , smaller 19-stop, 2-manual instrument in south chancel casavant frères of saint-hyacinthe, canada.

the organ in west gallery


galeri of cardinals

holy name cathedral continues tradition of raising galero, wide-brimmed tasseled hat, of deceased cardinal on cathedra highest point of semicircular, domed cathedral apse. galero hung in holy name cathedral remain until reduced dust, symbolizing how earthly glory passing. looking above cathedra galeri of cardinals mundelein, stritch, meyer, cody, bernardin, , george.